MOISTURE CONDITIONS UNDER ROADS IN THE AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENT

The theoretical aspects of moisture movements in and under roads and methods for predicting moisture conditions in road subgrades in various climatic environments are reviewed. The results of moisture content studies are discussed in relation to the effects of climate, depth of water table, type of construction (trenched or untrenched), shoulder materials and initial moisture content of subgrade. The studies suggest that in inland regions design can be based on moisture conditions less than or equal to standard optimum. Performance variations can be expected depending on the nature and configuration of the outer portion of the pavements including the shoulders. For coastal regions, or areas subject to local environmental variations, sections of the pavement and subgrade can be expected to be seasonally weakened. Construction and maintenance operations can impede or facilitate moisture movements to a significant extent.

• Corporate Authors:

  ARRB

  Melbourne, Victoria  Australia 
• Authors:
  • MORRIS, P O
  • GRAY, W J
• Publication Date: 1976-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 39 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Climate; Coasts; Forecasting; Moisture content; Motion; Pavement design; Pavement maintenance; Pavement performance; Paving; Road shoulders; Seasons; Subgrade (Pavements); Water table
• Uncontrolled Terms: Moisture movement; Seasonal variations
• Old TRIS Terms: Moist condition
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153350
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ARR No. 69
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 15 1977 12:00AM